
Some animals arrive at shelters in heartbreaking condition, but with a little love their lives can totally turn around.
That was the case for one neglected dog, who was found nearly starving to death, but in the weeks since has been making incredible strides.
In September, the South Suburban Humane Society, in Illinois, took in a severely emaciated dog named Pumpkin. He was first found by a local resident who thought he was dying and brought him to the police.
Emily Klehm, CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, told Newsweek that while they rescue many dogs, Pumpkin’s was an “extreme case” that left them speechless. “He was severely emaciated and unable to walk,” she said.
Photos show how unbelievably thin the dog was — it’s a miracle he survived at all.
Vets administered fluids and shaved his matted fur. Despite the rough start, he started to perk up and went into foster care with one of the shelter employees.
“Thankfully, we got him into foster care, where he is starting to improve and stand on his own again,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “His journey is still long, but we are incredibly proud of him so far.”
Updates from the shelter show the remarkable improvement Pumpkin has made in just a short time. While he was unable to stand when they first found him, he can now walk around the yard on his own, wagging his tail
“This little man is so strong and getting better every single day,” the shelter wrote.
Though he’s still visibly thin, he has been slowly regaining weight. “This little man is progressing, and we cannot wait to see how much more he continues to improve!” South Suburban Humane Society wrote.
Pumpkin’s backstory is still unclear, but the shelter says he will be placed up for adoption once he gets medical clearance.
“Pumpkin will need a home that understands that he was severely neglected,” Klehm told Newsweek. “He doesn’t know how to be a dog, so everything from leash walking to toys are all new experiences for him. An experienced dog family would be best.”
In the meantime, he’s doing well and loves his foster home.
It’s heartbreaking that Pumpkin was neglected for so long, but we’re so glad he’s doing well and regaining weight — we hope he finds a forever home soon when he’s ready!
Please share this story if you love dogs!
Man Rescued a Trapped Crying Wild Horse: How It Thanked Him is Unbelievable
In a heartwarming turn of events just outside of Calgary, a team of compassionate individuals came together to save a distressed horse trapped in a treacherous wetland. The horse had strayed into the marshy terrain during a period of heavy rainfall, posing a significant risk to its safety.
Darla Connelly, who oversees such incidents, had expressed concerns about the newly arrived herd’s unfamiliarity with the challenging landscape, especially during this unusually wet season. Sadly, her fears materialized when a young horse wandered too far and found itself ensnared in the muddy quagmire.

As soon as the stranded horse signaled its distress, the rescue efforts kicked into high gear. Volunteers from the Help Alberta Wildlife Society swiftly mobilized, utilizing ATVs and specialized equipment to reach the scene. The horse was desperately struggling to stay afloat, teetering on the brink of sinking deeper into the mire.
One brave volunteer, Daryl Glover, ventured into the perilous mud to approach the frightened mare. With meticulous precision, he secured a rope around her hindquarters, providing crucial support during her ordeal. Through their coordinated efforts, the crisis was averted, and the horse began to regain its footing.

In a touching display of gratitude amid the tension of the rescue operation, the horse surprised everyone by approaching Daryl, nuzzling him, and even sniffing him in acknowledgment, rather than fleeing in fear. This unexpected gesture left the rescuers, including Darla Connelly, deeply moved, highlighting the profound connection between animals and humans.
With the assistance of the rescue team, the horse managed to find solid ground and make its way to safety. As it trotted off towards the safety of the tree line, seemingly unharmed, the volunteers, covered in mud yet filled with pride, marveled at the bond forged through their shared experience.
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